Best Online Master’s in Computer Science for Non-CS Majors 2024
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Joining a computer science-related field can lead to rewarding and in-demand careers that stretch your creativity and problem-solving skills. However, many of these high-paying jobs require you to hold a master's in computer science. But did you know you can pursue a master's in computer science program even if you didn't major in computer science as an undergrad?
Learn more about how to become a computer science graduate, and check out our top-ranking master's programs for non-CS majors.
Featured Online Master's in Computer Science Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online Masters in Computer Science Without CS Undergrad 2024
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data
and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, IL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $686
Out-of-State | $686
Credits to Graduate: 32
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's online master of computer science is delivered using Coursera's massive open online course (MOOC) platform. The curriculum provides training in core concepts such as artificial intelligence, database and information systems, security and privacy, and programming languages and software engineering.
Illinois faculty assess and grade your work, just like they do for on-campus CS students. You have up to five years to complete the degree, allowing for continued employment. A flat tuition rate applies to all students, regardless of in-state or out-of-state residency status. Applicants without a CS degree will need to complete prerequisite coursework or related experience.
Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, GA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $180
Out-of-State | $180
Credits to Graduate: 30
Georgia Tech's online MS in computer science (OMSCS) provides a customizable curriculum. Enrollees can choose one of five specializations: computing systems, human-computer interaction, machine learning, interactive intelligence, and computational perception and robotics.
You'll enjoy additional flexibility with a generous number of 'free electives' allotted for other courses. Georgia Tech teams up with industry partners to deliver the OMSCS through MOOCs, ensuring accessibility and affordability.
The program enrolls students with a bachelor's degree in CS or a related field, such as math or computer engineering. The department admits students with other majors on a case-by-case basis.
North Carolina State University at Raleigh
Raleigh, NC - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $947
Out-of-State | $2,057
Credits to Graduate: 31
Working professionals may want to consider North Carolina State University at Raleigh's master of computer science for its coursework-only curriculum. The degree requires no culminating thesis or comprehensive exam.
Streamed video classes cover theory and systems coursework such as computer performance modeling, artificial intelligence, and software engineering. Nationally respected faculty teach the courses, and you receive access to the same privileges as your on-campus peers.
Admission is open to students residing in the United States and military personnel serving overseas. Applicants must complete prerequisite computer science coursework.
University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, ND - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $869
Out-of-State | $869
Credits to Graduate: 30
The University of North Dakota's MS in computer science teaches theoretical computer science concepts and their real-world applications. You'll attend an institution recognized for innovation in technology fields such as big data and autonomous systems.
The MS explores topics such as advanced software learning, machine learning, and high-performance computing and paradigms. The degree features thesis and non-thesis tracks, asynchronous learning, and optional synchronous classes for real-time interaction with faculty and peers.
The program is among the most affordable in the region. Applicants without a CS degree may receive admission under provisional status.
Stevens Institute of Technology
Hoboken, NJ - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,864
Out-of-State | $1,864
Credits to Graduate: 30
Stevens Institute of Technology's MS in computer science program produces software development leaders from one of the nation's top technological colleges. The program enrolls students who don't have a computer science background. You'll complete the program as part of an online cohort, interacting with a community of peers taught by renowned faculty.
Students in this program develop technical proficiency in software development, algorithm design and testing, and mobile application development and cloud computing. They also learn how to apply machine learning to solve real-world problems. Students pay a flat per-credit tuition rate. Admission requires a minimum 3.0 GPA and academic transcripts.
Stanford University
Stanford, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,456
Out-of-State | $1,456
Credits to Graduate: 45
Stanford University's MS in computer science gives learners maximum flexibility. You can enroll full-time or part-time and complete the degree online or on campus. The MS program provides training in fundamental computer science concepts and lets you choose one of nine specializations to deepen your knowledge.
You can complete the artificial intelligence, information management and analytics, and systems specializations entirely online. The other specializations require some campus attendance.
All students, regardless of in-state or out-of-state residency, pay the same flat per-credit tuition rate. Admission does not require a CS bachelor's degree, but applicants should have strong quantitative and analytical skills and complete prerequisite coursework.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Worcester, MA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,610
Out-of-State | $1,610
Credits to Graduate: 30
Worcester Polytechnic Institute's master of computer science online emphasizes theoretical and project-based learning. Enrollees supplement foundation and design core courses with electives chosen from one of four areas: cybersecurity, business intelligence, artificial intelligence and machine learning, or big data analytics and management.
The capstone project showcases your expertise in solving real-world problems. All enrollees pay the same affordable tuition rate regardless of in-state or out-of-state residency status. Admission does not require a CS bachelor's degree, but applicants should have prerequisite math coursework and programming language experience such as Python or Java.
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $2,424
Out-of-State | $2,424
Credits to Graduate: 32
The University of Southern California's MS in computer science is offered by one of the nation's top engineering schools. The MS combines coursework in broad CS subjects and specialized studies. Subjects covered include security systems, analysis of algorithms, applied cryptography, and software engineering.
You can complete the degree in 1.5-3 years, depending on whether you enroll full time or part time. All enrollees pay a flat per-credit tuition rate regardless of whether they live in California or out of state. Applicants without a CS bachelor's degree will need to complete prerequisite computer science and math coursework.
University of Oklahoma
Norman, OK - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $985
Out-of-State | $985
Credits to Graduate: 33
The MS in computer science at the University of Oklahoma produces CS experts in algorithms and data management. The fully online, 21-month curriculum emphasizes advanced theoretical concepts and applied theory.
You'll explore topics such as algorithm analysis, data mining, and blockchains and cryptocurrencies. Supervised independent study allows you to explore the literature and conduct research in computer science areas.
Online students have access to career support staff and a global professional network of OU alumni. Admission requires a bachelor's degree in computer science, IT, engineering, or a related discipline.
Illinois Institute of Technology
Chicago, IL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,712
Out-of-State | $1,712
Credits to Graduate: 32
Illinois Institute of Technology's MS in computer science emphasizes customization to meet the needs of working professionals. You can choose to complete a coursework-only, thesis, or master’s project track. You enjoy additional flexibility with full-time and part-time enrollment options, and the choice of a fully online or hybrid learning format.
Illinois Tech’s Elevate program guarantees hands-on training through internships, research projects, study away, and career mentorship. The school's close proximity to Chicago’s tech industry places you close to many possible employment opportunities. Admission does not require a bachelor's in computer science, but applicants may need to complete prerequisite courses.
How We Rank Schools
To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.
Ranking Methodology Summary
To qualify for our rankings lists, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each eligible school was then ranked based on a formula measuring:
- Affordability (30%)
- Student outcomes (30%)
- Reputation (20%)
- Diversity and social mobility (20%)
In addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges.
Can You Get a Master's in Computer Science Without a CS Undergraduate Degree?
Yes, you can earn a master's in computer science without being a CS major. Some master's programs offer tracks for non-CS majors to complete prerequisite courses before taking graduate-level CS courses. When applying to CS master's programs, research the admission requirements and prerequisites.
Master's in Computer Science Concentrations for Non-CS Majors
If you pursue a master's in computer science, you'll likely be able to choose between a general degree or a more specialized concentration. While a general computer science degree offers a comprehensive understanding of various topics, concentrations provide deeper expertise in specific areas, which can help prepare graduates for specialized tech jobs.
Common concentrations include:
- Computer Science
- Computer Hardware Engineering
- Computer Network Architecture
- Computer Programming
- Computer Systems Analysis
- Data Science
- Information Security
- Software Development
1. Computer Science
Computer science opens doors to diverse careers like software engineer, data scientist, and cybersecurity analyst. The median salary for software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers was $101,800 in May 2023, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Classes often cover programming languages like Python or Java, algorithms, databases, and machine learning.
A computer science degree is the key to unlocking many entry-level programming jobs.
More Featured Online Master's in Computer Science Programs
2. Computer Hardware Engineering
Computer hardware engineers design and develop components like processors, memory systems, and networking devices. Classes in digital design, electronics, computer architecture, and programming — along with a hands-on capstone project — are essential. The median salary for computer hardware engineers is $138,080 (BLS, May 2023).
Featured Online Master's in Computer Engineering Programs
3. Computer Network Architecture
Computer network architects design and build communication networks. To prepare for this role, you can take networking protocols, security, routing, and data management classes. Practical skills like configuring routers and switches are also crucial. The median wage for computer network architects is $129,840 annually (BLS, May 2023).
If you like computer systems, hardware, and innovation, becoming a computer network architect can be an engaging and lucrative career option.
4. Computer Programming
Computer programmers write and test code that powers software applications. They learn various programming languages like Python, Java, and C++, along with data structures and algorithms. This role earns a median salary of $99,700 a year (BLS, May 2023).
With thousands of programming languages in existence, computer programmers will always have something new and interesting to learn.
Featured Online Master's in Computer Programming Degrees
5. Computer Systems Analysis
Computer systems analysts bridge tech and business, designing efficient IT solutions to solve particular business objectives. Students learn by taking classes in programming, database management, systems analysis, and project management. Problem-solving and communication skills are also vital. Computer systems analysts earn $103,800 a year (BLS, May 2023).
Additionally, according to the BLS, the job outlook for computer systems analysts is projected to grow much faster than average from 2022-2032, so now is an excellent time to enter the field.
6. Data Science
Data scientists uncover insights from complex data. To prepare, you'll take courses in statistics, programming (Python/R), machine learning, and data visualization. You can cultivate your curiosity and critical thinking skills to transform raw data into meaningful solutions, making you a valuable asset in today's data-driven world. The median annual salary for data scientists is $108,020 (BLS, May 2023).
If you want to work in tech and enjoy numbers and statistics, being a data scientist can be a great mixture of the two.
Featured Online Master's in Data Science Programs
7. Information Security
Information security analysts safeguard digital assets. Learn through classes in cybersecurity, network defense, cryptography, and risk management. Curiosity, attention to detail, and a knack for problem-solving will help you build a shield against cyberthreats, making you a guardian of data in the digital realm. The typical yearly salary for an information security analyst is around $120,360 (BLS, May 2023).
Featured Online Master's in Information Systems Security Programs
8. Software Development
Software developers craft applications for various needs. You must master programming languages like Java, C++, or JavaScript and become familiar with databases, algorithms, and software engineering principles. Creativity, teamwork, and adaptability empower you to turn ideas into functional, user-friendly software, shaping the tech landscape with your code. The median income for software developers is $101,800 a year (BLS, May 2023).
Being a software developer is like being an artist with code. If you can dream it, you can build it and make it a reality.
Featured Online Master's in Software Development Programs
High-Paying Jobs You Can Get With a Master's in Computer Science
Careers that require a master's in computer science tend to pay much higher than the average career. In fact, many computer science careers that require — or encourage — a graduate degree offer compensation in the six-figure range.
Depending on the job, you may also need a strong background in understanding computer programming code. Additionally, because technology advances quickly, you'll need to stay updated on current technology and trends and may want to complete additional certificates or training programs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Master's in Computer Science Programs for Non-CS Majors
What are the prerequisites for a master's in computer science?
Check with programs you're interested in to learn specifics about prerequisites — each program will have its own requirements. However, many master's in CS programs require prerequisite courses in calculus, other advanced math, and programming and coding, as well as knowledge of programming languages like Java.
How long does a master's in computer science take?
Most online computer science master's programs take less than two years. You'll typically take 30-45 credits of graduate-level coursework to earn your master's degree. However, some online CS programs offer an accelerated route where you can earn a master's in 12-18 months.
If you majored in a field besides computer science, earning a master's often takes longer. With no prior computer science experience, you can typically earn an online master's in computer science for non-CS majors in 2-3 years.
How do you get a master's in computer science without a CS degree?
Many master's in computer science programs accept students who have bachelor's degrees in related fields. Other programs may require you to complete a specific list of prerequisites. Some colleges even have master's in CS programs specifically designed for those who didn't complete a bachelor's in a CS field.
Not ready to commit to a master's degree? You can also complete individual courses, certificate programs, or CS bootcamps.
How much does a master's in computer science cost?
The cost of a master's in CS depends on many factors, including which school you attend, whether that college is private or public, and the amount of grant or scholarship money you receive. However, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average annual graduate tuition and fees for the 2021-2022 academic year was $20,513.
Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed March 4, 2024.